The Journal
The latest from The Pro Bono Path
June 23, 2026
Entry No. 6
I Tried To Give Away Free Financial Planning. Here’s What Happened.
How hard could it be to give away free financial planning? Harder than I expected. I’ll be honest. When I started reaching out to community-based organizations earlier this month, I expected momentum, excitement and to be in high demand. I’ve spent forty years in this industry. I understand financial planning. I genuinely want to help....
June 2, 2026
Entry No. 5
Even at 64, I Want to Be Them When I Grow Up
I’ve been making calls I wouldn’t have made six months ago, learning what it actually means to become a pro bono financial volunteer. That was one of the things I discussed in my last post (#4). Reaching out cold, asking for help, admitting you’re figuring something out… It’s the work that needs to be done. And...
May 19, 2026
Entry No. 4
The Conversations I Didn’t Expect
When I started writing about becoming a pro bono planner, I thought maybe a few people would read the first few posts. I didn’t expect thousands of impressions, more than a hundred reactions, dozens of comments, texts, and DMs. No doubt, the largest response I’ve ever gotten to anything I’ve ever posted on LinkedIn. What...
April 13, 2026
Entry No. 3
Saying It Out Loud: And What About Diversified?
In my last post, I explored the idea behind pro bono financial advice and how that idea of a “Second Mountain” has started to resonate with me in a way it probably wouldn’t have a few years ago. At some point, though, those thoughts have to move beyond reflection. You can only carry an idea...
April 6, 2026
Entry No. 2
Digging Deeper: Why Pro Bono Financial Planning Is My Next Mountain
The response to my first post about pro bono financial planning in this new direction was overwhelming to say the least. I heard from many friends and colleagues and believe me, I appreciate the support. More than one of you asked me to dig in deeper on “the why” before I spend time on the...
March 30, 2026
Entry No. 1
Why I Earned My CFP® After 40 Years And What Comes Next
After more than 40 years in financial services, I sat down and did the work. Not because I had to. Because I needed to prove to myself I was serious about where I want to go next. Last month, I passed the CFP® exam. I took the CFP test on March 23rd, not because I had to,...